2 Corinthians 4:17
New International Version
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

New Living Translation
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

English Standard Version
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Berean Standard Bible
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

Berean Literal Bible
For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far surpassing to excessiveness.

King James Bible
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

New King James Version
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

New American Standard Bible
For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

NASB 1995
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

NASB 1977
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

Legacy Standard Bible
For our momentary, light affliction is working out for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

Amplified Bible
For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!

Christian Standard Bible
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

American Standard Version
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

Contemporary English Version
These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.

English Revised Version
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.

Good News Translation
And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.

International Standard Version
This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting weight of glory, far beyond any comparison,

Majority Standard Bible
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

NET Bible
For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison

New Heart English Bible
For this momentary light affliction is working for us a far more exceeding and everlasting weight of glory;

Webster's Bible Translation
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Weymouth New Testament
For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a preponderating, yes, a vastly preponderating, and eternal weight of glory;

World English Bible
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the momentary light matter of our tribulation works out for us more and more an exceedingly continuous weight of glory—

Berean Literal Bible
For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far surpassing to excessiveness.

Young's Literal Translation
for the momentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us --

Smith's Literal Translation
For the present moment the lightness of our pressure works to us an eternal weight of glory, as eminence upon eminence;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For though our tribulation is, at the present time, brief and light, it accomplishes in us the weight of a sublime eternal glory, beyond measure.

New American Bible
For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

New Revised Standard Version
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For while the troubles of the present time are little and light, a great and limitless glory for ever and ever is prepared for us.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the suffering of this time, while very small and swift, prepares us great glory without limits for the eternity of eternities.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For our present light affliction works out for us an eternal fullness of glory,

Godbey New Testament
For the light burden of our affliction, which is evanescent, is working out for us an eternal weight of glory according to hyperbole unto hyperbole;

Haweis New Testament
For our momentary light affliction worketh for us a transcendently far more exceeding eternal weight of glory;

Mace New Testament
for the light affliction, which I at present suffer, will be infinitely over-ballanced by an eternal weight of glory;

Weymouth New Testament
For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a preponderating, yes, a vastly preponderating, and eternal weight of glory;

Worrell New Testament
For our momentary light tribulation is working out for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

Worsley New Testament
For our short and light affliction is working out for us an infinite and eternal weight of glory, as we aim not at the things which are visible, but invisible:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Treasures in Jars of Clay
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.…

Cross References
Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hebrews 12:10-11
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. / No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Psalm 30:5
For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

Isaiah 61:3
to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.


Treasury of Scripture

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

our.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft…

Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Isaiah 54:8
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

worketh.

Psalm 119:67,71
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word…

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Romans 5:3-5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; …

far.

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Psalm 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

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Affliction Age-During Burden Comparison Eternal Exceeding Exceedingly Far Glory Light Matter Measure Moment Momentary Outweighs Present Producing Short Slight Suffering Surpassing Time Transitory Tribulation Trouble Troubles Weight Worketh Works
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Affliction Age-During Burden Comparison Eternal Exceeding Exceedingly Far Glory Light Matter Measure Moment Momentary Outweighs Present Producing Short Slight Suffering Surpassing Time Transitory Tribulation Trouble Troubles Weight Worketh Works
2 Corinthians 4
1. Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,
7. and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,
12. to the benefit of the church,
16. and to the apostle's own eternal glory.














For our light and momentary affliction
The phrase "light and momentary affliction" is a profound juxtaposition of the trials faced by believers. The Greek word for "light" (ἐλαφρός, elaphros) suggests something that is not burdensome, emphasizing the temporary and fleeting nature of our earthly struggles. Historically, the Apostle Paul faced numerous hardships, including persecution, imprisonment, and physical suffering. Yet, he describes these as "light" to contrast them with the weight of eternal glory. The term "momentary" (παραυτίκα, parautika) further underscores the transient nature of these afflictions, reminding believers that their trials are temporary when viewed in the context of eternity. This perspective encourages Christians to endure hardships with patience and hope, knowing that they are part of a divine process.

is producing for us
The verb "is producing" (κατεργάζεται, katergazetai) implies an active, ongoing process. It suggests that the afflictions are not pointless but are actively working to achieve something greater. This aligns with the biblical theme that God uses trials to refine and strengthen the faith of believers, as seen in passages like James 1:2-4. The phrase "for us" indicates that this process is personal and intentional, designed specifically for the benefit of the believer. It reassures Christians that their suffering is not in vain but is part of God's sovereign plan to bring about spiritual growth and maturity.

an eternal glory
"Eternal glory" (αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης, aionion baros doxes) contrasts sharply with the "light and momentary affliction." The word "eternal" (αἰώνιον, aionion) signifies something that is everlasting, without end. This highlights the permanence and enduring nature of the glory that awaits believers. The term "glory" (δόξης, doxes) in the biblical context often refers to the divine presence and majesty of God. It suggests a future state of honor and splendor that believers will share with Christ. This promise of eternal glory serves as a powerful motivation for Christians to persevere through trials, knowing that their future is secure and glorious.

that is far beyond comparison
The phrase "far beyond comparison" (ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολήν, hyperbolēn eis hyperbolēn) uses a Greek expression that conveys an overwhelming, surpassing greatness. It emphasizes that the glory awaiting believers is so magnificent that it defies human comprehension and comparison. This hyperbolic language is meant to inspire awe and hope, encouraging believers to focus on the eternal rewards rather than the temporary struggles. The assurance of a future that is "far beyond comparison" provides comfort and strength, reminding Christians that their present sufferings are insignificant in light of the incomparable glory to come.

(17) For our light affliction . . .--More accurately, the present lightness of our affliction. This is at once more literally in accord with the Greek, and better sustains the balanced antithesis of the clauses.

A far more exceeding . . .--The Greek phrase is adverbial rather than adjectival: worketh for us exceedingly, exceedingly. After the Hebrew idiom of expressing intensity by the repetition of the same word, (used of this very word "exceedingly" in Genesis 7:19; Genesis 17:2), he seeks to accumulate one phrase upon another (literally, according to excess unto excess) to express his sense of the immeasurable glory which he has in view.

Verse 17. - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment; literally, for the immediate lightness of our affliction. Worketh for us. Is bringing about for us, with all the immeasurable force of a natural and progressive law. A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; literally, in excess unto excess. For the phrase, "to excess - characteristic, like other emotional expressions, of this group of Epistles - see 2 Corinthians 1:8; Galatians 1:13. The word "eternal" is in antithesis to the "for a moment." The "weight" is suggested by the "lightness," and possibly also by the fact that in Hebrew the word for "glory" also means "weight." The general contrast is found also in Matthew 5:12; 1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 12:10; Romans 8:18. The frequent resemblances between this Epistle and that to the Romans are natural when we remember that they were written within a few months of each other.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

light
ἐλαφρὸν (elaphron)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1645: Light, not burdensome. Probably akin to elauno and the base of elasson; light, i.e. Easy.

[and] temporary
παραυτίκα (parautika)
Adverb
Strong's 3910: From para and a derivative of autos; at the very instant, i.e. Momentary.

affliction
θλίψεως (thlipseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

is producing
κατεργάζεται (katergazetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2716: From kata and ergazomai; to work fully, i.e. Accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion.

for us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

an eternal
αἰώνιον (aiōnion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

glory
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

[that] far
καθ’ (kath’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

outweighs [our troubles].
βάρος (baros)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 922: Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction which (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 4:16
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